38 WEEKS PREGNANT
Coordination is refined, including a strong grasp reflex
Baby this week: about 49 cm — head to heel · about 3.1 kg
≈ 49 cm — about the size of a stalk of swiss chard
Illustration enlarged for clarity — the amber marker shows true relative size · head-down, ready position
Your baby this week
- The brain and nervous system continue fine-tuning right up until birth
- Fat continues to accumulate, smoothing out the skin further
- Fingernails may already extend past the fingertips
- This week is still within the 'early term' window, which runs through 38 weeks
Your body this week
- Many people feel a mix of anticipation and impatience as the due date nears
- Losing the mucus plug or noticing increased vaginal discharge can happen in the days or weeks before labor
This week's tip: Review the signs of labor with your provider so you know what to watch for and when to call.
Want the bigger picture — organ development, nutrition, scans and warning signs for this stage? See month 9: The waiting month.
Sizes and milestones are typical ranges — every pregnancy runs on its own clock. Educational content; your prenatal care team's guidance always comes first.